Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Desipramine
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Desipramine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Ceritinib can also cause bradycardia, which increases this risk further.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Desipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ceritinib belongs to Oncology; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain baseline and periodic ECGs and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ceritinib with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Desipramine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Ceritinib can also cause bradycardia, which increases this risk further.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Desipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain baseline and periodic ECGs and correct potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antidepressant with less QT effect.
What other medicines interact with Desipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desipramine with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Desipramine page.
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